Solving material behavior and fluid flow problems in mining and processing
Vastec helps mining and processing companies understand why materials and process flows do not behave as expected, and what to do about it. We combine process understanding, measurements, engineering analysis and simulation to provide practical decision support and help solve the problem.
What we work with
Bulk material, particles, slurry and gas inside process equipment in the mining and processing industry
Most of the problems we work with arise where bulk material, liquids and gases interact with each other and with the surrounding equipment.
Bulk materials and particle flow
From how ore moves through a chute to how a bed of material heats and dries. Problems are often related to blockage, wear and segregation.
Slurry, fluid and gas flow
From how slurry moves through a distribution box or mixes in a tank, to how gas flows through an induration furnace. Problems are often related to erosion, mixing, settling and uneven gas distribution.
Application areas
Equipment and processes we know well
When clients call us
Something is not working, or something is being considered
A problem to understand and solve
When the problem is visible but the reason is not. We can help understand, troubleshoot and come up with practical solutions for the problem.
An idea or modification to evaluate
We can help evaluate and improve a change before it is implemented to understand the system, reduce risks and make better decisions.
Projects
View all projects
Dust capture at a screen undersize chute
Fines from primary crushed ore were blinding the pores in a heap leach and reducing metal recovery.
Gold mine, heap leach
Redesign of a chute on the main line to the stockpile
The chute on the main line to the stockpile suffered from wear and reduced operating reliability.
Conveying to the intermediate stockpile
Redesign of the pebble crusher feed
Coarse fractions collected on one side and the main mass stream arrived off-center, which was linked to frequent shaft failures.
Concentrator, pebble crushing
Repeated shaft failures in a large slurry tank
Mineral processing plant
Slurry distribution box evaluation
Two proposed distribution box designs were evaluated before construction, and the analysis identified uncertainties and operational risks to consider before implementation.
Concentrator, classification
Trommel screening and scats to the secondary mill
Testing showed that a mid-size fraction was passing into the secondary mill, which increases the secondary-mill charge while contributing little useful grinding.
Concentrator, secondary grindingHave a problem to solve or a change to evaluate?
Send us a short description of the equipment and the symptom.